Demi Moore is sharing an update on Bruce Willis' health. On Sunday, Oct. 13, The Substance actress was honored with the Career Achievement in Acting Award at the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival. During a wide-ranging live discussion, which was moderated by HIFF Advisory Board member Alina Cho, the 61-year-old actress said that her ex-husband, 69, is “stable” amid his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis.
“You know, I've said this before. The disease is what the disease is. And I think you have to be in real deep acceptance of what that is,” Moore told the festival audience. “But for where he's at, he is stable.”
“What I always encourage is to just meet them where they're at. When you're holding on to what was, I think it's a losing game,” she added of the Die Hard star. “But when you show up to meet them where they're at, there is great beauty and sweetness.”
As Moore explained, she was just visiting Bruce “two days ago” with her granddaughter, daughter Rumer's toddler, Louetta. “And being able to share with whatever we have, for however long we have it,” she said of spending time with her ex-husband.
Moore shares daughters Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30, with Bruce. She previously said on The Drew Barrymore Show last month that “given the givens, [Bruce] is in a stable place.”
Moore's update comes after Bruce's family announced in February 2023 that he had been diagnosed with FTD. In their statement, the family acknowledged that Bruce’s condition had progressed from aphasia and they were seeking to provide a deeper understanding of what he was experiencing. They also stressed the importance of raising awareness about this debilitating disease.
FTD is a neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for personality, behavior, and language. The symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, but often include changes in personality, behavior, language, and movement. There is no cure for FTD, but there are treatments that can help manage some of the symptoms.
Moore’s candid remarks offer a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of coping with FTD, a disease that affects not only the person diagnosed but also their loved ones. Her words highlight the importance of acceptance, love, and support in navigating this difficult journey.
Accepting the Present
Moore’s perspective emphasizes the importance of accepting the reality of the situation and meeting Bruce where he is at. While it’s natural to hold onto the past and mourn what was lost, she recognizes that clinging to the past can be a losing battle. Instead, she encourages embracing the present and appreciating the beauty that can be found in the present moment.
Sharing Precious Moments
Moore’s visit with Bruce, accompanied by her granddaughter, showcases the enduring bond between them. This visit underscores the significance of cherishing the time they have together, regardless of the challenges they face. It reinforces the idea that even in the face of difficult circumstances, love and connection can still be found.
A Ray of Hope
Moore’s update on Bruce's health offers a glimmer of hope and a testament to the strength and resilience of the Willis family. It also underscores the importance of raising awareness about FTD and the need for greater research into this debilitating disease.
Sharing the Journey
The recent updates on Bruce's health from various members of the Willis family demonstrate their unwavering commitment to transparency and openness in sharing this challenging journey. Their candid stories provide valuable insights into the lived experience of FTD, while simultaneously raising awareness and encouraging others to seek support when navigating a similar situation. These personal accounts highlight the power of love, support, and acceptance in facing difficult circumstances.
